A Transfer on Death Deed (often shortened to TODD) is a document a property owner signs and records during their lifetime that names one or more beneficiaries to receive the property automatically at the owner's death. It is authorized by Chapter 114 of the Texas Estates Code. The property stays fully under the owner's control while they are alive - they can sell it, mortgage it, or change their mind - and nothing passes to the beneficiary until death. Because the transfer happens by operation of the recorded deed rather than through a will, the property generally does not go through probate for that asset. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded in the county where the property is located before the owner dies; an unrecorded one has no effect.
